Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Posted by London Darling

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in. And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

Isabella Oliver Cape

London Fashion Week Diary: BODYAMR

Posted by London Darling

The BODYAMR show was one that I was particularly looking forward to, and it was well worth the wait. The signature draping that I love still played a huge role in the collection as an abundance of luxe fabrics and beaded embellishment.

BODYAMR show

Giveaway: Win Tickets to the 2010 Vitality Show!

Posted by London Darling

The lovely team at Vitality are treating three lucky readers to a pair of free tickets! Running from 18th-21st March in London’s Earls Court 2, Vitality is the UK’s largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women.

WIN Vitality tickets

Beauty Buzz: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Posted by London Darling

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

Liz Earle Skincare

This week I have the pleasure of introducing New York fashion week newcomer Shamila Jiwa, a self-taught Seattle based gemologist with a huge passion for unusual stones. Her designs are uniquely exquisite pieces of jewellery with a focus on timeless, distinctive beauty. During her London stop-off, Shamila took time to meet me for a girlie chat over cocktails and a sneak peak at her new collection.

Sitting in the Mayfair bar, Shamila oozes a contagious zeal for her work and what it represents. Born in Tanzania and of Indian heritage, Shamila Jiwa designs jewellery that reflects her extensive travels and rich ethnic heritage. Her designs cleverly combine aspects of Turkish, Indian, and Asian motifs.

Despite being so exotic and culturally rich, the jewellery remains largely versatile as wearable art. Inspiration for her pieces are found everywhere she explains. "Travel, architecture, textiles, food, nature, relationships.." - all important factors to the creative process.


Having studied Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver B.C, it's interesting to how her career has moved so far from the schooling of her bachelor's degree to luxury fashion. Her passion for jewellery design stems from an early interest in fine jewellery and a deep love of art.

Since the launch of her design career in 2002, the use of unusual gemstones such as Labradorite has generated a loyal collective of discerning, international clients and I can see the attraction. Her work is impressive - the craftsmanship and exquisite detailing of each design really is on par with some of the long-standing, established jewellers. Her work is as endearing as Tiffany and as luxurious as Boodles but it also has a soulful, sexy nonchalance that is a cut above.

This is a bold statement, but one that is very fitting - In fact, I'm surprised that the likes of Vogue and Harpars Bazaar have not discovered her sooner. From her signature Blue Glimmer Boa Necklace to the Golden Decadence Earrings, her designs exude an understated elegance, fit for the red carpet.

shamila-01

Shamila is a hidden treasure, but this year may see the international acclaim she deserves. Her debut at Nolcha Fashion Week is fast approaching, and she has high hopes that her designs will have a larger international precedence to add to the awareness of her work state-side.

Nolcha is the award wining home for independent designers and host to a special New York and London fashion week, running alongside the main event. Nolcha Fashion Week will see Shamila's work featured in a stand-out showcase to editors, retailers, stylists and industry figures. With one week to go, I am quietly confident that Shamila is a global phenomenon waiting to happen.

Web: www.shamila.com
Shamila's facebook page
Click here for more information on Nolcha NY Fashion Week

4 Response to "Label Love: Shamila"

  1. ilemiranda.co.uk Said,

    Great article. It is exciting to learn about creative people bringing new ideas in.

    Regards,

    Eduardo
    ilemiranda.co.uk$

     

  2. anna and the ring Said,

    Oh gosh, and now I love her too!

     

  3. TheAL Said,

    That blue necklace is stunning!

    Recent blog:=- Crochet Flower Hair Pins & Summer Coupon

     

  4. Shamila Said,

    Thank you so much Eva for a great article. Really appreciate your sweet words. And thanks to everyone who left the compliments.

     

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